About the Program
In the United States, breast cancer is the most common type of cancer and second leading cause of cancer-related death in women. However, little is known about breast cancer in women in their early 40s and younger.
As part of a larger effort to better understand breast cancer and to improve care and outcomes for our younger patients, Dana-Farber has developed a program targeted for this age group.
What does the program involve?
A program nurse will help coordinate your care from the initial visit through treatment, identifying issues specific to you. Having breast cancer at this age can sometimes mean that choices regarding your future have to be made earlier than you may have expected. Some decisions can affect what treatment options are available to you.
This program will be a source of support at a time when you may feel isolated and overwhelmed. Throughout your treatment, educational materials will be offered to help you make informed decisions about your care. As partners in your treatment, we will also help you navigate such issues as:
- Fertility and reproductive options;
- Genetic counseling;
- Psychosocial needs;
- Management of menopausal symptoms;
- Survivorship; and
- Research opportunities.
For more information about the program, please call 617-632-1924.
"This program has made it easier for me to get through my breast cancer treatment. Being in an environment that supported the needs of younger women made my experience seem less frightening."
— Jill, 29
Breast cancer survivor
Ongoing Research
A cancer diagnosis is a life-altering experience for most individuals; however, young women facing breast cancer often feel especially alone and overwhelmed as they struggle to integrate the diagnosis into their lives.
From parenting young children and concerns about future fertility to managing careers and sustaining relationships, young women struggle to balance their life-threatening illness with their personal and professional lives.
Philanthropic support from a number of Dana-Farber's most generous donors enabled the Institute to launch and develop its unique Program for Young Women with Breast Cancer under the direction of Ann Partridge, MD, MPH.
Since its founding in 2005, the program has shepherded more than a thousand young women on their journey through and beyond cancer, addressing their needs with comprehensive care and support together with a range of programs tailored specifically for them.
Innovative new grant from ASCO Cancer Foundation
Now, in recognition of the program's expertise in meeting the needs of young women, Dr. Partridge is the first recipient of a new three-year $1.35 million American Society of Clinical Oncology Cancer Foundation® Improving Cancer Care Grant, funded by Susan G. Komen for the Cure®.
The overarching goal of the award is to improve care for young women with breast cancer in community-based oncology centers across the country. Using Dana-Farber's program as the model, Dr. Partridge and her colleagues will develop and help implement an exportable and sustainable educational and support intervention for young breast cancer patients as well as their oncology providers.
In addition to addressing issues important to this patient population, the study will serve as a model to improve care and overcome barriers for other unique groups of people with cancer.
Cohort study to provide ongoing data
Fortunately breast cancer in younger women is relatively rare, diagnosed in approximately 10,000 women each year. But this also means that its biology and the psychosocial issues patients face have been difficult to investigate.
In 2006, Dr. Partridge launched the first multi-institutional cohort study of women diagnosed with breast cancer at age 40 years and younger.
"Helping Ourselves, Helping Others," designed to follow women for 10 years, will continue to elucidate the unique biologic, medical, and psychosocial issues young women face at diagnosis and over time.
"Concerns about preserving fertility, genetic issues, and isolation are among the challenges young breast cancer patients face," explains Dr. Partridge. As of June 2011, there are over 600 women enrolled in the cohort.
"This study should help us to more fully understand the issues young women deal with after a diagnosis of breast cancer in an effort to ultimately intervene to improve outcomes."
Online Resources
Here are a few resources that may be of some use to young women with breast cancer:
Thrive Together
Thrive Together is dedicated to providing support, services, and education to young women in the greater Boston area who have been diagnosed with breast cancer.
The Wellness Community
The mission of The Wellness Community is to help people with cancer and their loved ones enhance health and well-being by providing a professional program of support, education and hope. All programs and services are provided free of charge.
Young Survival Coalition
The Young Survival Coalition is an international, non-profit network of breast cancer survivors and supporters dedicated to the concerns and issues that are unique to young women and breast cancer.